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George Takes His Game Out Front

puppetz owns you

Apparently PG can stand for “point guard,” too.

Paul George played point guard in the U.S. Olympic team’s106-57 victory over the Chinese Olympic team Sunday, displaying the sort of length, athleticism and versatility the team will take to Rio for the Olympic Games.

Unlike Friday’s opening exhibition victory over Argentina, George started in the game before a sellout crowd at Staples Center in Los Angeles. He wasn’t a factor offensively, as he had been then with 18 points, but made his presence known as a perimeter defender throughout.

Former Pacers star Reggie Miller, who worked the game as a broadcast analyst on the NBA TV telecast, was enthusiastic about the team’s new look.

“The versatility they can show…with Paul George as a 6-8 point guard,” Miller said. “I think this is going to be great for the USA.”

Kevin Durant led the U.S. team with 19 points, while his new Golden State teammate Klay Thompson added 17. The U.S. hit just one of its first nine shots, but hit 40 of its last 65 to run away with the game. It started at the defensive end, as it forced 20 turnovers and allowed just 17 made field goals.

George helped set the tone early, forcing a turnover in the opening minutes.

“Paul George is applying some serious perimeter pressure here to Team China,” Miller said.

Miller also predicted George would be among the team’s primary facilitators once the Olympic Games begin in Rio on Aug. 6.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Paul George leads the team in assists, along with Draymond Green,” he said.

George scored five points, all late in the game. He also registered three steals and two rebounds.

For Pacers fans, the game was entertaining for Miller’s work as a broadcaster more than anything. Taking note of the likes of former NBA stars David Robinson, Mitch Richmond and Gary Payton in the audience, he confessed to the tactics that helped him become a Hall of Fame player over 18 seasons with the Pacers.

“All these guys I used to trip and kick and hit and elbow…I’m serious, I used to do all that to all those guys,” Miller said.